Volkswagen has announced today production has begun on their first electric SUV, taking another step towards their goal of building up to 1.5 million EVs as early as 2025.
Known as the ID.4, it will be produced at the automaker’s factory in Zwickau Germany, which was recently converted at a cost of €1.2 billion ($1.8 billion CAD) to manufacture 300,000 electric vehicles a year. In 2022, production will also begin at its facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Built on the MEB (Modular electric drive) platform, the same as the ID.3, it is expected to have “more than 250 miles” (400km) of range based on initial EPA testing. If those end up being the official numbers, it would put it well below its competition, the Tesla Model Y which has a range of 509km.
The ID.4 is scheduled to be released in the US later this year, and is on track to arrive in Canada in 2021.
Related: Volkswagen ID.4 leaked ahead of launch later this year
More details will be revealed at the official unveiling next month, but it is expected to start at around $35,000 USD ($47,500 CAD). In the press release today, VW confirmed a RWD variant will be the only option available at launch, with an AWD dual-motor variation coming later.
